Event Details 2021

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TGO Challenge – EVENT DETAILS 2021

Welcome to the 41st Great Outdoors Challenge! The world has changed greatly since the 2020 Event Details but we know one thing that hasn’t: Challengers are as tenacious and adaptable as ever and will make TGOC21 as memorable as any other Challenge. We can have no idea what Covid-19 guidance will be in place in May 2021, so we have planned for the worst while we hope for the best. As such we are assuming there will be limitations on gatherings and social distancing (currently still 2m in Scotland) will be in place. Please read these notes carefully, even if you have participated many times before as of necessity there are many changes from last year.  If you have a deferred place from 2020 please refer to the section on deferred routes (page 18) before making any changes.  If you did not have a 2020 route planned, please note there are restrictions on some start points and Challenge hotspots.  If you think TGOC21 isn’t for you, under the conditions set out, you have can defer your place to 2022 or 2023. Please also check you are happy with the cancellation/withdrawal conditions as stated in the Entry Notes – Terms and Conditions for TGO Challenge 2021. The coordinators will help with any queries but before you contact them please check that the information you seek is not within these pages. Clicking on any blue text will give you additional information. Useful contact information and phone numbers can be found in the Resources section of the website.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS 5 Travel and Accommodation – including Hostelling 10 Scotland, Ault-na-Goire, Cougie, and Tarfside OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE Resupplies and Trail Food Offers 12 What to expect – terrain, navigation, 2 Medical Information and Emergency Contacts 12 climate, shelter Animal Hazards 12 Timeline 2 Communication 3 COMPLETING THE ROUTE SHEET How to complete the route sheet 14 PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE Sample days 16 Boundaries 4 Deferred 2020 routes 18 Start points 5 Checklist 18 Skills 6 Equipment 6 VETTING PROCESS Maps 6 Vetters’ Role 19 Type of route 7 Vetters’ Comments 19 Ferries 8 Revisions 19 Foul Weather Alternatives 9 KEEPING IN TOUCH Resources – books, blogs, websites 9 Websites, message board and social media 19 Finish Points and Celebration dinners 9 Reunions 20 Access 9 Paths, tracks, bridges and fences 10

Please open the Event Details and the Route Sheet PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader. It will make them easier to use and print. Click here to download it for free.

1 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk AN OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE

AN OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE The Great Outdoors Challenge is a demanding, Timeline self-supported walk, west to east, across The Challenge will start at 9am on Friday 14th Scotland. It is not a competition or a race nor May and finish at 5pm on Friday 28th May is it a running event. It aims to encourage 2021. Below you will find a list of important fellowship amongst walkers fostering a relaxed dates and deadlines: atmosphere in which participants can enjoy Scotland’s wild and remote places as well as the R 9th November – routes can be submitted company of other Challengers. We ask everyone, for vetting. Please don’t send them before! however hard they drive themselves, to respect R 17th November – Any places not claimed the non–competitive principle. by those with deferred 2020 places (or those on the reserve list) by completing There are no pre–set or advised trails – planning the 2021 entry form will be given to other your own route is what makes the Challenge applicants waiting for places. unique. Some devise routes which include summits and ridges whilst others walk mainly through the R 31st December – last chance to defer glens (valleys). No special merit is attached to a place(s) to 2022. higher-level crossing – all successful Challengers R 18th January – route submission deadline receive the same certificate. for Challengers who have completed 5 or There are few rules. The most important is that more Challenges (or groups containing such every step is walked, with the exception of some a Challenger). ferry crossings, within the Challenge boundaries between the start and finish dates. This means if R 22nd February – Deadline for route you have to take transport at any point you need submissions for all other participants. to return to the same point for your crossing to be R 8th March – deadline for route revisions. valid. We ask that the Access and Bothy codes are followed, due respect is given to the landscape R Early April – Final Details (including details as well as those who live and work there and, of of start/finish arrangements) and medical/ course, you take all possible steps to prevent the emergency contact forms circulated. spread of coronavirus. If you have not already read R 12th April – deadline for returning medical the Entry Notes – Terms and Conditions for TGOC21 form. please do so. A few more Dos and Don’ts to help you gauge the spirit of the Event can be found on the R 14th May – TGOC21 starts at 9am. You have website. until 5pm on 17th May to sign out. R 26th to 28th May – no formal celebration WHAT TO EXPECT dinners but small gatherings at Park Hotel if Any multi–day Scottish backpacking trip is a restrictions allow. serious undertaking, and the Challenge should be approached as such. R 28th May – TGOC21 finishes promptly at R Terrain – If your main experience of 5pm. mountainous areas is in England, Wales or The deadlines will be strictly observed overseas, you may find the terrain much tougher and only extended in truly exceptional than you expect. Be prepared for rough, often wet, pathless circumstances. ground. In many areas travelling at 2-3km an hour is good going with a full pack. See vetter (streams) which can be difficult or impossible to Colin Crawford’s Guide to Scotland’s Terrain. cross safely in spate (high water) necessitating long diversions. There is often significant snow R Navigation – You will need to be capable of cover on the mountains in May and occasionally accurately navigating by map and compass. fresh fall at lower levels. If you plan a high Unlike Continental Europe or North America route you may need winter equipment. It can you will find few paths waymarked and some also be hot and sunny! marked on the map are not evident on the ground. Conversely there are also paths and R Shelter – The Challenge is designed to be a estate tracks that aren’t on the map . . . backpacking event so you should carry a tent or other suitable shelter. Whilst you might visit a R Climate – Scotland’s climate is notoriously town or village every few days where you can unpredictable. High winds and heavy rain are find accommodation, you should expect to be common. You are likely to face unbridged burns wild camping a majority of the time.

2 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk AN OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE

Important Note for all Participants All those participating in The Great Outdoors Challenge do so at their own risk, in accordance with the spirit of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which states: “There is a longstanding legal principle called ‘volenti non fit injuria’which means that a person taking access will generally be held to have accepted any obvious risks which are inherent in the activities they are undertaking.” We might offer advice on routes, but ultimately participants must rely solely on their own skills and judgment. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit and have suitable skills and equipment for an arduous two week backpack. Any Challenger who has ongoing medical problems should obtain medical advice before taking part, ensuring the medical professional is aware of the nature of the Event. Participants are deemed to accept the inherent risk of mountain walking and agree to participate in The Great Outdoors Challenge at their own risk. Participants are strongly advised to consider personal accident insurance. By participating, Challengers agree to abide by the rules, conditions and spirit of the Challenge, as summarised here and in the Entry Notes – Terms and Conditions for TGOC21. They must accept that Scotia Challenge Ltd Event, the coordinators and vetters shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury of death which may arise from participating in The Great Outdoors Challenge, other than that caused as a result of negligence.

INTERACTIVE MAP R Coordinators – Sue & Ali are your contacts at Challenger Mick Blackburn has created an interactive [email protected] or by phone on map. This shows much of the information in these 01540 673360 or 01540 673583. pages and can be viewed by clicking here. Please note R Vetters – Your vetter may give contact details with it is not hosted on the TGO Challenge website. their comments. Please copy the coordinators into any communications regarding your route. COMMUNICATION R TGO magazine – You can contact TGO editor, Carey We will use the email address given on your entry Davies at [email protected] form so please let us know if this changes and mark [email protected] as “safe sender” on R Other Challengers – Contact details of other your spam filter to ensure you receive everything. Challengers cannot be given out, but the All emails are acknowledged, usually within 48hrs, so if coordinators can pass on a message on your behalf. you haven’t had a response please contact us again. If you do not have an email address or are not comfortable receiving information this way please ring us and we will arrange an alternative.

For those who are unfamiliar with Scotland here are a few Gaelic/Scots words that might be useful. abhainn = river dearg = red gleann = valley rath = hill-fort allt = stream doire = wood gorm = blue ruadh = russet baile = farm, township drochaid = bridge grianan = sunny place seanachas = legend baine = pale druim = ridge iolair = eagle sgor/sgurr = pointed peak beag = small dubh = dark/black lairig = pass slug = mire, morass beag-dhonas = imp or pixie eas = waterfall liath = grey socach = snout-shaped hill bealach = col eilean = island linne = pool spate = high fast water bearn = pass, gap faol = wolf lochan = small lake sron = shoulder beinn = hill/mountain fear/ban-sgrùdaidh = vetter meall = rounded hill stob = peak bhuidhe = yellow feith = stream mhor/mor = large strath = wide valley camus = beach, bay fiacail =toothed ridge moine = moss, bog stuc = conical hill clach = stone fraoch = heather monadh = upland moor uamh = cave cnoc = hillock gairm-chatha = challenge mór = big uaine = green coille = wood garbh = rough, stony odhar = dappled uisge = water creag = crag geal = white pait = hump, knoll uisge-beatha = whisky

3 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk THE GREAT OUTDOORS CHALLENGE PERIMETERS R West – Western seaboard of mainland Scotland from Torridon south to Ardnamurchan Point, across to eastern Mull (Dervaig to Srathcoil), then by Oban (including Kerrera and Lismore), down coast to Crinan, the Crinan Canal to Ardrishaig, across Loch Fyne to Otter Ferry, south to Portavadie. R South – Mainland coast around Kyles of Bute, Firth of Clyde and Loch Long to Arrochar, Tarbet, south along Loch Lomond to Rowardennan (to include Ben Lomond), east following Duchray Water to Aberfoyle, Rob Roy Way to Callander, A84/A920/A9 to Doune, Dunblane and Perth, north side of Tay Estuary to Arbroath. R East – The eastern seaboard from Arbroath to Fraserburgh. R North – North coast from Fraserburgh to Inverness, north shore of the Beauly Firth (but not Moray Firth) to Muir of Ord, A832/A896 to Achnasheen, Kinlochewe and Torridon.

START POINTS Inverness Peterhead Torridon 1 1 Torridon Youth Hostel – 01445 791 284  2 Strathcarron Hotel – 01520 722 227 Strathcarron 2 Plockton 3 3 Plockton Hotel – 01599 544 274 Dornie 4 4 5 Shiel Bridge Aviemore Dornie Hotel – 01599 555 205 Glenelg 6 5 Kintail Lodge Hotel, Shiel Bridge – 01599 511 275  Aberdeen 6 Mrs Davidson, Taobh na Mara, Glenelg – 01599 522 310 Mallaig 7 7 West Highland Hotel, Mallaig – 01687 462 210 Morar 8 Lochailort 9 8 Morar Hotel – 01687 462 346 Archaracle 10 Fort William 9 Lochailort Inn – 01687 470 208 Kilchoan 11 Montrose 10 Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle – 01967 431 224

11 Kilchoan Hotel – 01972 510 200 Arbroath 12 12 Oban Youth Hostel – 01631 562 025 Oban Perth 13 The Grey Gull Inn, Ardrishaig – 01546 606 017 Dundee 14 Portavadie Marina – 01700 811075 Rail Stirling Bus Click here for further information about rail, bus and air links. 30km Glasgow 20mi Ardrishaig 13 4 [email protected]   01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 Portavadie 14 Edinburgh www.tgochallenge.co.uk COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS We want to ensure the chances of Covid-19 being contracted during the Event are kept to a minimum not only for the welfare of Challengers but also for the communities they pass through. We cannot know exactly what restrictions will be in place in May but you must be prepared to:

R Abide by Scottish Government legislation and guidance at all times during the Event R Take suitable precautions and follow guidance for the areas you travel from and through on your way to/from the Event. R Ensure you do not share tents or bedrooms with anyone from a different household. R Ensure when camping you avoid informal gatherings of more than the guidance at the time allows. If there are already several tents in an area be prepared to move on. R Not plan to use bothies – both MBA and estate bothies. R Accept staggered start times at popular start point – so don’t plan for a long first day. R Be asked to adjust your route if there are too many people passing through known pinch points eg Braemar. R Accept if you are preparing a new route it cannot start from Shiel Bridge or Mallaig (on 14th May) and cannot pass through Braemar (22nd-24th May) or Tarfside (24th-26th May) R Accept there will be no organised social gatherings eg Callater Lodge, Tarfside. R Keep a log of the name and number of any Challengers you spend more than 15 minutes with and the date you were with them. R Not travel to the Event or retire as soon as possible during the Event if you develop Covid-19 symptoms or are told by any contact tracing agency that you need to self- isolate. R Inform Challenge Control if you, or a member of your household, test positive for Covid-19 during the Event or the two weeks before and after it. R Accept sign in procedures may be by text or appointment and there will be no large celebratory dinners in Montrose. It may be some of these restrictions are not necessary but by entering you agree to plan for the above. Whilst most communities will welcome the Challenge as usual and the positive effect it has on the Highland economy there will also be some nervousness about the risk of spreading Covid-19. We therefore need all Challengers to strictly observe any restrictions deemed necessary in May aswe cannot risk the reputation of the Event and losing the goodwill it has built up over the last four decades. Therefore, anyone found to be breaching Covid-19 guidance will be subject to a one-year ban from the Event.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS We understand many Challengers, particularly those from overseas, are worried about travel restrictions. In normal circumstances we cannot offer a deferred place or a refund when someone has to withdraw. However, should your governing authority or the Scottish government put travel restrictions in place which make it impossible for you to participate you will be offered a guaranteed 2022 place at a 50% discount.

CANCELLATION We hope the measures above will minimise the risk of a cancellation, but we have to be realistic – it could happen. The Event is uninsurable against cancellation so this year we must share the risk with Challengers to ensure it can continue. In the Event of cancellation, those with places deferred from 2020 will be guaranteed a place in 2022 at a 50% discount. Other participants will also be offered a 50% discount and a place in 2022 places if there are sufficient and a 2023 place if not.

5 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE The Challenge needs a lot of preparation, which can be a little daunting if this is your first crossing. In common with other events you need to prepare yourself and your equipment, but the unique aspect of the Challenge is designing your own bespoke route. This can be time consuming and at times frustrating but ultimately, when your route has been accepted, it is immensely satisfying. What else are wet winter evenings for?

SKILLS MAPS You, and any teammates, should already have the Whether you use physical or digital maps you should following skills: use the most up–to–date editions. You need to carry R Ability to navigate across pathless, rugged paper maps on the Event along with any digital terrain using map and compass (You must not devices you plan to use as these can fail or run out be solely reliant on GPS). of power. Sheet maps or printouts should cover R Be able to carry personal/camping equipment sufficient territory either side of your route to allow for with a minimum of 3 days provisions. diversions necessitated by extreme weather or injury. R OS 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey Landranger maps are R Previous experience of backpacking including recommended to both plan and walk your route. ‘leave no trace’ wild camping in an environment Your vetter will use these maps. with no facilities. R Harveys 1:40,000 and 1:25,000 maps are excellent R Capacity to be self–sufficient, including first aid maps designed specifically for walkers but do not skills, in remote areas where help may not be currently cover the entire Challenge area. easily accessible. R OS 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey Explorer maps can be R Be able to assess and deal with adverse weather useful for planning as they give more detail (eg (wind, rain and occasionally snow and sun!) field boundaries) but are too bulky to carry on the including unbridged rivers/burns in spate. Event itself. If you lack any of these please speak to the R Large scale maps such as road maps and Google coordinators. It is best to be honest with yourself Earth can be used when planning to get an (and us) at this stage. We will do all we can to help overview but should not be relied upon during you prepare a route that is within your capabilities the Challenge. but, if necessary, your entry can be deferred until Please note only names used on 1:50,000 maps can be 2022 to give you time to gain these essential skills. used on your route sheet. EQUIPMENT WHERE TO START? We assume that all applicants are experienced Picking your start is as good a place as any to begin. backpackers and do not need an equipment list. Each start point gives a very different experience and However, for your safety, the following items more detailed information on each can be found here. should be carried: The start registers are mostly held by small family- R Tent or suitable shelter and sleeping bag run hotels or SYHA hostels usually in their reception R Cooking equipment areas. Depending on Covid-19 restrictions at the time, we may have to alter the start process and signing out R Waterproof and windproof clothing may be by text or phone. Even if our usual start points R Emergency rations for at least one full day (see page 5 for contact details) cannot hold a register R Maps, compass and whistle for each member of please consider using them for food or accommodation the team before you start. They have supported the TGO Challenge for many years and like many other R Suitable first aid kit hospitality businesses their trade has been hit hard by R Face covering and sanitiser Covid-19. Further details will be made available in the R If snow conditions prevail, an ice axe (and the Final Details, circulated in April. 5 skills and experience to use it) is essential for Regular Challengers are encouraged to use higher-level routes. different start points on each crossing and to explore the lesser used starts such as Acharacle, Ardrishaig, Glenelg, Morar, Portavadie and Plockton. Please note, due to their popularity Mallaig and Shiel Bridge will not be available as start points on Friday 14th May for anyone changing their start point or for those planning new routes but can be used on 15th-17th May.

6 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

WHAT TYPE OF ROUTE? R Higher or lower level? On your first crossing, unless you have significant backpacking experience in Scotland’s hills, we recommend a lower level route. If you have suitable experience and want to put in some hills you will be asked to provide a Foul Weather Alternative for each high day – which also give you an alternative lower-level route should you prefer it on the day. R Solitary or sociable? You can plan a route so you Weather near Johnshaven – Ian Cotterill hardly meet a soul or a more sociable one visiting some of the towns and villages which have taken the Challenge to their heart. Many people mix and match periods of solitude with a taste of the famous Challenge camaraderie. You will still be able to meet other Challengers at a suitable distance so the Challenge spirit will still be very much alive. Due to the need to minimise the size of gathering we will have to limit the number of routes that use Braemar (21st -23rd May), Ballater (22nd -24th May) and Tarfside (24th-26th May) as overnight halt points. Restrictions may Shielin of Mark bothy – Patrick Downie also be needed in Cannich, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit. R Themes and highlights. It is worth looking for places you might want to visit before you start detailed planning, marking them on a large-scale map to see which are feasible to connect. Some Challengers have picked themes in the past e.g. linking drove roads, castles or even searching out tea rooms! R Duration of crossing. Remember it is not a race! Unless you are constrained by work or family Sgùrr na Sgine sunset – Vicky Grace commitments, why hurry? Make the most of Scotland’s magnificent wild places and savour it rather than rushing through. Most people finish on the final Wednesday, Thursday or Friday so if you hurry across you are also less likely to experience the Event’s camaraderie. R Distance and ascent. From our experience 18– 25km (12–15 miles) per day is enough for most people. You need to allow for the nature of the ground as well as the ascent for each day – some 15 km days can be extremely arduous. See Colin Crawford’s Guide to Scottish Terrain. Loch Ericht – Matthew King WHERE TO FINISH? You can finish anywhere on the East Coast between Fraserburgh and Arbroath. There are a whole host of possible places to finish your crossing. If you need some ideas see Roger Smith’s Guide to Finish Points. The normal sign out procedure is to go, by motorised transport or foot, to the Park Hotel at Montrose. The 2021 sign out process may involve booking a signing out slot on arrival at the coast or signing out by text or phone. Details will be given prior to the Event and will depend on restrictions Camban bothy – Frédéric Maillard in place at the time.

7 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

FERRY CROSSINGS You may make an initial boat journey to reach another point on the coast, or cross, 8 but not travel along, large bodies of water such as Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe. Possible crossings are listed below. These may need to be prebooked: 1 1 Mallaig to Inverie Western Isle Cruises (01687 462 233) offer regular sailings. Please note the earliest crossing you can use on Friday 14th May is 3 10:15 am – the 7:30am crossing is outwith 2 the Challenge. Western Isle Cruises will use 4 their larger boat and put on extra crossings if needed but you must pre book and be prepared to take a later boat if necessary. To receive a discount quote TGOC2021 when 5 you book.

2 Dalelia to Polloch Crossings of Loch Shiel can be arranged with Izzy Buchan and John Macaulay if 7 restrictions allow. Email [email protected] or 01967 431 253.

3 Camasnagaul to Fort William Lochaber Transport (07826695160) This ferry 6 does not run on Sundays.

4 Corran Ferry Sailings every 20-30 mins across Loch Linnhe from 6:30 am (8:30 Sun) to 9:20pm – no need to book.

5 Oban to Lismore Calmac (0800 066 5000). Challengers using this route are given dispensation to sign out early on Friday 14th May in order to catch the 9am ferry. You will also need the Argyll and Bute Council (01546 605 522) service from the north end of Lismore to Appin.

6 Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie Calmac (0800 066 5000). Runs hourly from 8am to 6pm. This can be used to access Portavadie prior to the Challenge.

7 Tarbet (Loch Lomond) and Inveruglas to Inversnaid and Rowardenan Cruise Loch Lomond (01301 702356) offer waterbus services across Loch Lomond.

8 Drumnadrochit to Inverfarigaig Gordon Menzies plans to offer the usual service for Challengers across Loch Ness from Temple Pier (NH 528 300) on the north side of Urquhart Bay to Inverfarigaig, usually at 8am and 5pm. Exact details of how he will run the service will be formulated and circulated in the Spring. Crossings will need to be be pre–booked by emailing [email protected] after 1st March 2021. Please note the change of email address and do not try to contact Gordon any earlier. Capacity on each crossing is likely to be reduced but he will ensure all Challengers get across the loch even if this requires several trips. Please be prepared to be patient.

Other crossings (commercial ferries or private hire) are possible but please check the route is acceptable with the coordinators before making firm bookings.

8 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING YOUR CROSSING BOOKS We appreciate Challengers will want to celebrate R Scottish Hill Tracks (Scotways) describes Scotland’s but it is highly unlikely that the traditional rights of way and is a good place to start when celebratory dinners will be able to take place at the planning your route. Park Hotel. Should restrictions allow we may be R Scotland by Chris Townsend (Cicerone) gives a able to hold small gatherings throughout the day. comprehensive guide to all the mountain ranges Impromptu celebrations at finish points will have in the Challenge area. Chris is the gear editor for to take heed of the guidance at the time regarding TGO and a regular Challenger himself. numbers and distances. R Hostile Habitats – Scotland’s Mountain Environments FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVE (FWA) by Mark Wrightham and Nick Kempe (SMC) is a You must provide a foul weather alternative when guide for walkers to Scotland’s wildlife and your route crosses high ground that is pathless or landscapes. exposed. FWAs need serious thought and often prove to be the hardest aspect of route planning. CHALLENGERS’ BLOGS There is no defined altitude at which a FWA is You can find accounts of recent crossingshere and required as the nature of the terrain, duration of some older accounts at Doodlecat. By all means visit walking at an exposed height and whether a clear some places you have read about but please don’t path is evident, all have a bearing, as does the copy a route in its entirety. The Challenge is all experience of the Challenger(s). However, routes about producing your own personal bespoke route. over 900m always need one whilst routes under 500m do not usually need a FWA unless there are WEBSITES un–bridged burns and rivers that may be impossible R Where’s the path – OS maps and aerial to cross safely in spate. A FWA may need to be photography side by side – a very useful more than one day long. planning tool. The site is under threat of closure but remains open at the time of writing. FWAs are always required for the following routes: R Geograph – access to photos for individual grid R Lairig Ghru squares – a good way to get an idea of the terrain R Summit of Mount Keen (bypass path acceptable) and scenery you may encounter. R Jock’s Road R Walk Highlands – mainly day routes but useful if R Fords of Avon you are incorporating some hills. R Kilbo path R Core paths – particularly useful when trying to avoid stretches of road walking in lowland areas R Carn an t-Sagairt Mor path/Dubh Loch route as it shows many newly adopted paths which may not yet appear on OS maps. While slightly lower routes, such as the Corrieyairack Pass, are acceptable, extreme weather If you are still struggling for ideas or how to can render them impassable. Common sense has connect places talk to the coordinators who can to be applied during the Event and on occasions give you some suggestions. The fine detail, though, you may have to wait for weather or water levels to will still be up to you. subside. The weather doesn’t have to be bad to use your ACCESS FWA – it can also be a Feeling Weary Alternative! The Land Reform (Scotland) Act gives a general You may have to use it in good conditions if there right of responsible access to open countryside is snow and ice on the tops and you do not have in Scotland. There are exceptions; the vicinity of winter equipment. If you deviate significantly from buildings, industrial sites, airports, railway lines your main route or FWA you should let Challenge and military areas. The Act includes a right to wild Control know your new plans as soon as you have a camp responsibly, away from buildings, for one phone signal. or two nights. The rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. RESOURCES Access may be temporarily restricted for reasons You can get inspiration from lots of sources but including forestry operations and the construction here are a few suggestions. There are more in the of hydroelectric schemes or windfarms and any resources section of the website. reasonable notices should be followed for your own safety. The coordinators will liaise with any known projects on popular routes and post information on the Access News page on the website.

9 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

There is a longstanding, generally good, relationship TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION between landowners and hillgoers in Scotland. We Travel. Traveline Scotland is a good place to planning your ask you to help us preserve and foster this by showing journey but you can find lots of useful information about due consideration to the land and its people. Those getting to your start point on the travel and start point who live and work on the land should be treated with pages of the website. Please ensure you comply with any respect regardless of your views about the job they Covid-19 travel guidance relating to public or private may do. transport. Please be scrupulous about disposing of litter and human waste properly, leaving ‘no trace’ at wild Wild camping. This is what the Challenge is about! We campsites and keeping bothies clean and tidy. This strongly advise that you carry a tent or other suitable is becoming a major problem in Scotland - let’s not shelter. When you choose your equipment bear in add to it. In general, if camping on farmland or near mind sub–zero temperatures are common in May. Your houses, please ask permission. It is a courtesy and you shelter needs to be capable of withstanding gale force will rarely be refused. winds and heavy rain. The reputation of wild campers Within the context of ‘freedom to roam’ there are a has been sullied by litter and human waste being left number of places where we would ask you to observe at popular spots since lockdown. Please choose where local requests: you camp carefully making sure you are well away from R Glen Feshie. The estate requests camping be confined roads and occupied buildings and practising leave no to the area around Ruigh–aiteachain Bothy (NN trace camping so the TGO Challenge is not seen to be 847928), or further up the glen. adding to this problem. Please note you cannot share a R Balmoral Estate request no camping around Loch tent unless you are in the same household/bubble. Muick and Spittal of Glenmuick because of the specific characteristics and sensitivities of this Bothies are basic shelters open to all. They are a valuable area. You may camp in the vicinity of the bothies resource offering welcome refuge in adverse weather. at Gelder Shiel (NO256905), Glas-Allt Shiel (north However those that are maintained by the Mountain side of Loch Muick, NO275825) and Shielin of Mark Bothies Association are currently closed and may remain (NO335826). out of bounds in May. You should not plan to use them and ensure you are carrying a suitable shelter. Should R Glen Lee. Dalhousie Estates request there should they become available please follow the bothy code and be no camping on or near the shores of Loch Lee, ensure Covid-19 guidance is followed. Please consider which is often used for night fishing. supporting the MBA and their volunteers as they still R Glen Mazeran. The estate requests Challengers do not require maintenance in order to be a future resource. walk past Glenmazeran Lodge. Please take the right There are also many non-MBA estate bothies which are, fork at NH 744 227, cross the river and drop to the in normal times,open to walkers. The vetting team may minor road at NH 748 224. not know which of these remain unlocked.

PATHS, TRACKS, BRIDGES AND FENCES Campsites. Most have had to reduce pitches due to Paths are marked on the map with single dashes (- - Covid-19 restrictions and some no longer take tents at - - ). Unlike continental Europe or North American all. Almost all will now require prebooking. You should trails they are not normally waymarked and may be check prior to the Challenge noting that some may not indistinct or even absent on the ground. Most are not open until Spring for enquiries. There is usually high maintained and may be rough and wet. demand for pitches at Braemar, Ballater and Montrose. Tracks are marked with double dashes (===) and are usually suitable for all-terrain vehicles. They are generally evident on the ground and vary from well- Braemar Caravan Park Camping pitches can only be constructed dirt roads to rough cart tracks. booked by phone (01339 741 373). The site is under Bridges may be lost in winter storms and we may new management but Mike and Peter are happy to not be aware of damage, particularly in remote areas, welcome Challengers. before the Event. If a bridge is absent or unsafe you must be prepared to use your initiative to find a Ballater Caravan Park (01339 755 727) safe crossing point or divert your route. Information A discount is available to Challengers but to access this regarding damaged bridges on popular routes will be you must book by phone (not online) after 31st March posted here. – ask for Susan. Fences can be unexpected obstacles. Deer fences are commonly over 2m high and may require a diversion South Links Caravan Site, Montrose is run by Angus if you can’t find a gate or climb over. Electric fences Council. Book by phoning the Council’s ACCESS line on have appeared in the eastern highlands over the last 03452 777 778. few years. There are supposed to be regular crossing points but these may take some time to locate.

10 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

B&Bs and hotels. Most villages and towns offer a choice of accommodation. Details of many can be found A Brief History of the Challenge at www.visitscotland.com (01387 245 550) and on The idea came from writer and mountaineer websites and apps such as Trip Advisor, Booking.com, Hamish Brown. He had crossed Scotland on foot AirBnB etc. Sadly, many businesses will not reopen himself and felt that similar crossings could be so accommodation may be more difficult to find and accomplished and enjoyed by others within the should ideally be prebooked. You should not plan to framework of an organised non–competitive share a room with anyone who is not in your household/ bubble. Please note remote buildings named on the map event. as ‘Lodge’ do not usually provide accommodation. In autumn 1979 Hamish presented the idea to Roger Smith, then editor of The Great Hostels Outdoors magazine, and the first event Hostels are particularly badly hit by Covid-19 was held the following Spring. Since then it restrictions so many, including the coordinators has become a hillwalking institution. That Newtonmore Hostel, are now only open to group the Challenge has been held every May booking often for a minimum of 2 days. Those that since 1980, format unchanged, is a tribute are open to individuals may not be able to open their to Hamish’s original concept. It has been communal areas. sponsored by TGO magazine since the outset but was originally known as The Ultimate Hostelling Scotland – formerly SYHA (0345 293 7373) offers Challengers a discount on bookings throughout Challenge after the first co–sponsors, Ultimate May at hostels in the Challenge area. This does not Equipment Ltd. The only years in which a full include the affiliated hostels on their website. Quote Challenge was not held were 2001, when an code TGO when booking. Temporary membership outbreak of foot–and–mouth disease led to cards are no longer needed. severe access restrictions (a partial crossing from Strathspey to the east coast was Scottish Independent Hostels is a network of arranged) and 2020 when the event had to be independent hostels many of which are regularly used cancelled due to Covid-19. by Challengers. Hamish was one of five people who completed Most accommodation providers give a warm welcome to all of the first 10 Challenges, the others being Challengers but there are a few which have gone an extra Bill Robertson, Bob Dawes, Ron Reynolds mile to help us in past years, some opening their doors and Dave MacArthur. Bill completed his 33rd especially for the Event. Sadly, there will be restrictions crossing in 2016. The oldest participant so far in place at all of them: was Jim Taylor who completed his 20th crossing R Ault na Goire, Errogie, NH 544 229 – the Sutherlands in 2014 at the age of 91, surpassing the record (janet.sutherland@talk21.com or 01456 486 711) offer of fellow nonagenarian Jack Griffiths. a great welcome along with camping. They will not be To date, 3,534 people have participated in the offering food and may have to limit numbers camping Event. A total of 10,013 crossings have been in their field so pre-booking is essential. They are happy to hold resupply parcels if informed by phone attempted and 8,851 have been completed or email in advance. which is a success rate of 88%. A remarkable achievement for a remarkable event. R Callater Lodge, NO 178 844 – You will have to wait until 2022 for Bill & Mike’s legendary hospitality as Roger Smith acted as coordinator for two the Lodge will be closed. decades, steering it from strength to strength. R Cougie Lodge, NH 242 212 – Melanie (melaniejpstrang@ He retired in 2011 but maintains a close hotmail.com or 07773 491 262) will decide in the association, acting as consultant and as a Spring whether she and her family can welcome member of the valued team of vetters. He Challengers but hopes some socially distanced scones was succeeded by former TGO deputy editor might be possible. John Manning, who has ten crossings to his name. After three years John handed the R Laggan – Laggan Stores and Coffee Bothy (on the A85 by the bridge over the River Spey) provide a reins to Sue Oxley and Ali Ogden who first wonderful service to Challengers. met on the Challenge in 2004 and have both completed multiple crossings. They have been R Accommodation is limited in Dalwhinnie – joint coordinators since 2014 and, as directors Dalwhinnie but the Loch Ericht Hotel and Snack of Scotia Challenge Ltd, acquired the TGO Shack (01528 522331) usually allow camping in their Challenge in November 2020. grounds as well as providing meals and rooms.

11 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

R Mar Lodge – They will not be able to offer MEDICAL INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS refreshments or hold parcels. In March/April each participant will be asked to R Newtonmore Hostel (01540 673 360) – Sadly we provide a medical declaration including details of will not be offering tea and cakes and may not any long-term injuries and conditions. It remains be open to Challengers as it is currently only your responsibility to ensure you are fit enough to feasible to take group bookings. We will hold participate. This information will only be passed resupply parcels. on to the appropriate services in the event of an emergency. R Tarfside – St Drostan’s Hostel will not be open You will also be asked to nominate an emergency for food or accommodation. We hope camping contact who will be Challenge Control’s first port will be available on the village playing field, but of call if they are significantly worried about your numbers will have to be limited. welfare eg a missed phone-in or known injury. They do not need to be your next of kin but it is CHALLENGE COMPANIONS important this person: Friends and family may join you for a few days or visit you at planned stops, but they must not R consents to be your emergency contact. act as back–up crew. They must of course comply R knows that you are participating in the TGO with any limitations on gatherings. Unofficial Challenge. full crossings are not permitted. Unfortunately, to maintain good relationships with those working on R is available by telephone during the event and is the land, dogs are not allowed on the Challenge. comfortable conversing in English. R has details of your outer clothing colour, tent GPS TRACKERS make/colour etc. We encourage the use of GPS trackers as they give R ideally has a photo of you that can be passed to you a means of summoning help in an emergency the emergency services. situation when you may have no mobile signal. However, they are not a substitute for our safety R holds contact details for anyone else who should procedures and phone in system. We will not be able know if there are concerns about you. to monitor GPS tracker maps at Challenge Control regularly. You must have someone at home who will ANIMAL HAZARDS follow your progress. We will ask you to give details Scotland doesn’t have much wildlife that can harm on the Emergency Contact form circulated in May so you. we can check it should you miss a phone in or we R Adders are our only venomous snake but are are concerned for your welfare. relatively shy. Bites are uncommon and rarely cause long term problems. RESUPPLIES & TRAIL FOOD R Ticks are small blood sucking arachnids common The Challenge is a self–supported expedition so in the Highlands, particularly in long grass or support or back–up crews very much contravene heather. They tend to seek out dark moist areas its spirit. However, you do not need to carry all you of skin. Tick removers are an essential part of a need for two weeks. Most Challengers resupply Challenger’s first aid kit. Ticks can transmitLyme every 3–4 days. Supplies can be bought along the Disease which, although easily treated in the way or posted, with the owner’s permission, to early stages, can cause longstanding problems if booked accommodation. Please note some items left untreated. such as gas canisters cannot be sent in the post or If you develop a rash or fever in the days or weeks by courier. after the Challenge you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. R Cattle may be encountered, mainly in lowland (07891 731 886) are Base Camp Foods areas. Use an alternative route if one is available. again offering a 15% discount. Enter code If not, proceed slowly and quietly giving them as TGOCFOOD2021. wide a berth as possible. Be particularly cautious TentMeals (07723 916 817) are offering vegan of cows with calves and, of course, bulls. meals at a 20% discount for Challengers. Use R Midges are rarely a problem in May. If we have code TentMealsTGO21. a warm spring you may encounter some in Mountain Trails – Food on the Move (01995 672 879) sheltered spots especially near water. will be offering a 20% discount to Challengers from November 2020 to April 2021 – use code TGOC21 – as well as other regular offers on a dedicated TGO webpage.

12 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET

WITHDRAWALS MERCHANDISE You can defer your place to 2022 without penalty We will once again be providing good quality pin until 31st December 2020. If you have to withdraw badges at an additional charge and may also offer from the Challenge, for any reason, please let us other merchandise at Challenge Control. know as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the 2021 TGO CHALLENGE 2021: COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET entry fee is not refundable and cannot be deferred to another year after 31st December 2020. The exception is if you are unable to travel to Scotland Start/finish points Ferries due to your home authority or Scottish Government Date you plan to sign out. Please indicate Y/N if you plan to use Loch Ness or Mallaig- restricting travel or enforcing quarantine on your Inverie ferries arrival in Scotland or on returning home, in which Date you plan to reach the coast – not date you will report to Challenge case your place will be deferred to 2022 or 2023 but Control (if different). you will have to pay 50% of that year’s entry fee. Information used when preparing Places cannot be transferred to another person. start and finish lists.

CANCELLATION Should TGOC21 be cancelled for any reason (after 31st December) everyone with a 2021 place will TGO CHALLENGE 2021 ROUTE SHEET page 1 Number for mobile phone carried be offered a 50% discount in either 2022 or 2023. START POINT: FINISH POINT: Name(s) – group leader first Ferries - Please during the event indicate Y/N if you Those who had places deferred from 2020 will have 1. plan to use: a guaranteed place in 2022 or can defer to 2023 if 2. DATE: DATE: 3. Loch Ness they prefer. Everyone else will be offered a 2022 4. Mallaig-Inverie place if there are sufficient or a 2023 place if there Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT MAY See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) are not or that is their preference. Overnight halt point FRI 14th Wild camps/ bothies MAY FWA: Place name (eg Glen Loyne) and six figure grid reference.

COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET SAT 15th No need to state “wild camp”– it’s

Once your route has been planned you need to submit it to us on a Challenge Route Sheet. This is MAY FWA: usually pretty obvious! Main route FWA Map sheet Ascents and central to how the Challenge is organised. It makes the jobs of the vetters and those on Challenge Villages/towns. numbers distances Concise and clear – not an essay! Should link to and from Control so much easier when it is clear and accurate. Please note we cannot accept routes presented in SUN Name of town/village – no grid reference 16th main route. State OS Metric figures only. needed. any other form. MAYOne routeFWA only: – no multiple variations (exception is 1:50,000 escape routes from ridges or summits to FWA). For multiday must Distance to nearest map sheet. Type of accommodation (hotel/hostel/ It is much easier for us to work with typed It is worth bearing in mind who uses the route sheet be contiguous with whole kilometre. B&B/campsite) if known. documents that can be edited so please complete when completing it: MONHighlight any significant summits over 600m previous days FWA and If using 17(egth Munros, Corbetts, Grahams) in bold. Ascent to nearest your route sheet using the document or new R as an aide memoire may need a second digital Name and phone number of any Word You and your group MAY FWA: ten metres. editable PDF which are available on the Downloads summarising each day’s route and when you are Place names (only those named on OS 1:50,000 FWA if main route mapping establishment already booked. maps) with a small amount of description – see covers high/exposed numbers can Ascent is total of all webpage. If using the Word version please do not due to phone Challenge Control. If bookings are made after submitting TUEexamples. ground on second day. be worked climbs during the th your route please let us know details. delete any of the boxes or change the format of the 18 out day and is never 0! R Vetters use it to trace your route when they MAYNeeds to be easy for your vetters and Challenge Need to have a FWA form and try to ensure it remains on two pages. FWA: Place names rather than just grid assess it. Control to follow. for any time you might Challenge Accurate figures references give Control a quick overview be on high/exposed Control and show you have R Challenge Control – if worried about you it WEDAlternative routes cause confusion and take more of ground (see planning some vetters of your route. We realise you may stop Apple Mac users – Please use the new editable PDF th planned carefully 19the vetters’ valuable time. guide) use paper, short or continue further along the is their first port of call and should there be MAY and taken in to form as the conversion of the Word document to FWA: rather than following day’s route. additional Covid-19 restrictions or hotspots Place names are quicker to locate than grid account the effect “Pages” upsets the formatting causing it to roll over Can get complicated! digital, maps. delineated during the Event it will be used to references. Talk to coordinators if of distance and Accommodation details are useful onto additional pages and you will not be able to THU ascent on the if Control need to trace you. We will th stuck. rectify it. Please do not send “Pages” files as we identify those who may be affected. 20Vetters and Control use 1:50,000 maps. length of your day. check with them before worrying your MAY FWA: emergency contact. cannot open them. R Emergency Services if a search is initiated. Grid references only when no named feature available – 6 figures and 2 letter prefix eg NN 185 462. FRI For those who do not have access to a computer or The sheet therefore needs to be clear, concise and 21st MAY FWA: find the route sheet difficult to complete digitally accurate so your route can be quickly gauged. No we will of course accept handwritten route sheets jokes please – they might amuse us or your vetter which can be posted or scanned and then emailed. but may not seem so funny if the sheet is being 14 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk looked at by the emergency services . . .

The following pages explain what is needed in each section and why, and also give examples of how to present each day.

13 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk TGO CHALLENGE 2021: COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET

Start/finish points Ferries Date you plan to sign out. Please indicate Y/N if you plan to use Loch Ness or Mallaig- Inverie ferries Date you plan to reach the coast – not date you will report to Challenge Control (if different). Information used when preparing start and finish lists.

TGO CHALLENGE 2021 ROUTE SHEET page 1 Number for mobile phone carried START POINT: FINISH POINT: Name(s) – group leader first Ferries - Please during the event indicate Y/N if you 1. plan to use: 2. DATE: DATE: 3. Loch Ness 4. Mallaig-Inverie Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT MAY See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) Overnight halt point FRI 14th Wild camps/ bothies MAY FWA: Place name (eg Glen Loyne) and six figure grid reference.

SAT 15th No need to state “wild camp”– it’s

MAY FWA: usually pretty obvious! Main route FWA Map sheet Ascents and Villages/towns. numbers distances Concise and clear – not an essay! Should link to and from SUN Name of town/village – no grid reference 16th main route. State OS Metric figures only. needed. MAYOne routeFWA only: – no multiple variations (exception is 1:50,000 escape routes from ridges or summits to FWA). For multiday must Distance to nearest map sheet. Type of accommodation (hotel/hostel/ be contiguous with whole kilometre. B&B/campsite) if known. MONHighlight any significant summits over 600m previous days FWA and If using 17(egth Munros, Corbetts, Grahams) in bold. Ascent to nearest may need a second digital Name and phone number of any MAY FWA: ten metres. Place names (only those named on OS 1:50,000 FWA if main route mapping establishment already booked. maps) with a small amount of description – see covers high/exposed numbers can Ascent is total of all If bookings are made after submitting TUEexamples. ground on second day. be worked climbs during the th your route please let us know details. 18 out here. day and is never 0! MAYNeeds to be easy for your vetters and Challenge Need to have a FWA FWA: Place names rather than just grid Control to follow. for any time you might Challenge Accurate figures references give Control a quick overview be on high/exposed Control and show you have WEDAlternative routes cause confusion and take more of ground (see planning some vetters of your route. We realise you may stop th planned carefully 19the vetters’ valuable time. guide) use paper, short or continue further along the MAY and taken in to FWA: rather than following day’s route. Place names are quicker to locate than grid account the effect Can get complicated! digital, maps. references. Talk to coordinators if of distance and Accommodation details are useful THU ascent on the if Control need to trace you. We will th stuck. 20Vetters and Control use 1:50,000 maps. length of your day. check with them before worrying your MAY FWA: emergency contact. Grid references only when no named feature available – 6 figures and 2 letter prefix eg NN 185 462. FRI 21st MAY FWA:

14 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 2021 ROUTE SHEET page 2 All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map declaration in March/April 2021 and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet) Please use this checklist before submitting your route. Please note we cannot open Pages docs – please submit as a Word or PDF doc

Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT TGO CHALLENGE 2021:MAY COMPLETINGSee planning notes: routes YOUR lacking ROUTE sufficient detailSHEET will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.)

SAT 22nd MAY FWA: Planning method

State whether manual (eg map and SUN string/wheel) or digital (ViewRanger, 23rd Anquet, MemoryMap etc). MAY FWA: Digital methods usually give higher ascent figures so your vetter needs to know when MON assessing your figures. 24th

MAY FWA:

TUE 25th MAY FWA:

2021 ROUTE SHEET page 2 All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map declaration in March/April 2021 WED and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet ) 26th Please use this checklist before submitting your route. MAY FWA: Please note we cannot open Pages docs – please submit as a Word or PDF doc

Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT THUMAY See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAP S & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) th 27 SATMAY FWA: 22nd MAY FWA :

FRI th 28 SUNMAY FWA: 23rd PHONE-IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? MAY FWA: DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION 1. 4. 2. 5. MON 3. 6. 24th

MAY FWA:

TUE 25th MAY FWA: Phone–in points Minimum of 4, maximum of 6. WED 26th No more than 4 days apart. MAY FWA: Solo walkers/ high level routes encouraged to phone informally between official phone–ins. Should be where mobile signal likely or landline available. THU 27th MAY FWA: This is our primary safety system.

Control will have sleepless nights if you can’t phone or forget!

FRI 28th Sometimes difficult to identify 4 days on high routes – discuss with coordinators if problems. MAY FWA: PHONE-IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION 1. 4. 2. 5. 3. 6.

15 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk SPECIMEN ROUTE SHEETS COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET – SAMPLE DAYS Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple day from Dornie:

Route end >

< Route start

Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple and first day from Dornie:

Dornie – minor road Bundalloch – path E River Glennan to Camas-luinie and Glen Elchaig – bridge at NG 968 278 – FRI track E then NE to Iron Lodge – path NE to Loch Mhoicean 33/25 22 710 Loch 14th Mhoicean NN 068 313 FWA: not required

16 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending Scotland’s hills): Inveraray – road N - track E side Glen Shira then track ESE from NN 158 164 to ascend firebreak at NN 172 160 –Tom Allt nan SUN a’Phiobaire – ridge NE to Beinn Bhuidhe (M) - E to Glen Fyne then NE by Allt Chaluim – camp near track end Allt nan 56/50 26 1220 Caorainn 16th Caorainn NN 260 224 FWA: As above to Elrigbeag then track Glen Shira to dam – N shore Lochan Shira – N bank River Fyne then contour 350m to camp spot as above 56/50 28 490 as above

Route Sheet Check List

Please don’t submit your route until you are sure it is complete - we cannot accept drafts. The check list below should help to ensure the sheet is filled in correctly.

Sign out point Name - one of the 13 listed in the Event Details - first, surname and mobile phone number (if carried) of all - date group members (group leader first please) Finish point Dinner requests - between Fraserburgh and Arbroath and named on 1:50,000 - please state Wed/Thur/Fri/none for each person maps - you may attend more than one dinner if you wish - date - dinner reservation will be confirmed during your crossing COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET – SAMPLE DAYS And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending Scotland’s hills):

< Route end

FWA start >

Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple and first day from Dornie:

And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending < Route start Scotland’s hills): Inveraray – road N - track E side Glen Shira then track ESE from NN 158 164 to ascend firebreak at NN 172 160 –Tom Allt nan SUN a’Phiobaire – ridge NE to Beinn Bhuidhe (M) - E to Glen Fyne then NE by Allt Chaluim – camp near track end Allt nan 56/50 26 1220 Caorainn 16th Caorainn NN 260 224 FWA: As above to Elrigbeag then track Glen Shira to dam – N shore Lochan Shira – N bank River Fyne then contour 350m to camp spot as above 56/50 28 490 as above

17 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk Route Sheet Check List

Please don’t submit your route until you are sure it is complete - we cannot accept drafts. The check list below should help to ensure the sheet is filled in correctly.

SUBMITTING YOUR ROUTE DEFERRED 2020 ROUTES Once your route sheet is complete please use If your place has been deferred from 2020 please the checklist below before sending it to the use the route that has already been vetted if at coordinators at [email protected] or, if all possible. We appreciate some changes may be you do not have access to email, post it to TGOC needed if you want to avoid Challenge hotspots or Coordinators, Newtonmore Hostel, Main Street, need to alter accommodation and in exceptional Newtonmore, PH20 1DA. circumstances (eg changes in fitness or walking We acknowledge all routes so if you have not partners) a complete rewrite might be required. If heard from us within 2 days (5 days if posted) you do alter your route significantly please note you please contact us by phone on 01540 673 cannot change your start point to Mallaig or Shiel 360 / 01540 673 583. Bridge on 14th May or divert it through Braemar or If the coordinators think there is any vital Tarfside at busy times. We may have to ask some information missing you may be asked to adjust experienced Challengers to adjust their route if your route before allocating it to a vetter. numbers are excessive in any of these places. We try to allocate you a different vetter each year. Please transfer your route onto the 2021 route The exception is those who previously withdrew sheet and highlight any changes to your 2020 and are submitting a similar route. If this is the case route in a different colour. (If using the editable let us know as it saves valuable vetting time if your PDF please tell us which days involve changes.) previous vetter assesses any changes. Your route sheet will be reviewed, where possible, by your 2020 vetter who will make additional comments if needed on any changes that you have made or any new issues that are relevant.

ROUTE SHEET CHECKLIST

Format Main route • Only 2 sides • Only one please (escape routes from ridges or • No boxes removed – (size of empty boxes can summits to FWAs are acceptable) be reduced if needed) • Clear concise description (see examples) • Mac users – do not send as a “Pages” • Highlight any summits over 600m (eg Munros, document. Please use the editable PDF Corbetts and Grahams) in bold type. document if possible • Use mainly place names and grid reference only • Use only place names found on 1:50,000 maps where needed for clarity • 2020 deferred route - highlight changes in a different colour FWAs • Suitable FWAs are provided making reference to Start/Finish Points the list and advice on page 9. • Places and dates tally with the written text • Each FWA (or section of multiday FWA) appears Names under the relevant day and has distance and • Names of all group members ascent figures. • Numbers of any mobiles to be carried. If you • Multiday FWAs give overnight halts and, if are buying a UK SIM on arrival or your number appropriate, link to/from the main route changes please inform the coordinators Overnight halts Ferry Crossings • Town/villages – name of place and • Please indicate in the box provided if you plan establishment you intend to use (if known) to use the Loch Ness or Inverie crossings. • Wild camping – description and 6 figure grid reference with prefix letters (eg Loch Mhoicean Distance and ascent NH 068 312) • Required for all days and FWAs • No need to state “wild camp” – it’s usually • Distance to nearest 1 km obvious! • Ascent to nearest 10m • Metric measurements only Phone in points • Minimum 4, maximum 6 Grid references • Maximum 4 days apart if possible • Use two prefix letters and only six figures (eg NH • Do not include your start and finish points 068 312) • Give place and date – use day of arrival not • OS map numbers following morning • Give map numbers for OS 1:50,000 Landranger • Only where mobile signal or access to landline maps only

18 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk VETTING PROCESS

VETTING PROCESS However well you have researched your route there are always some nuggets of information that cannot be gleaned from a map or the internet. This is where the vetters come in. They are all experienced Challengers with a vast knowledge of Scotland’s hills and glens. Some have been professional guides or involved in mountain rescue in the past, others have explored the hills for their own pleasure. All will offer advice that is well worth considering.

VETTERS ROLE VETTERS COMMENTS Our vetters are volunteers who give their time for The vetter will return comments to the coordinators free. It takes a minimum of three hours to vet a who, after reading them, will send them to the straightforward route but can take several days for a group leader. Most vetters return comments in 1–2 complex one. weeks. They aim to assess your route for: R Feasibility – including the suitability of FWAs Please acknowledge receipt of your comments. and phone–in points. R Safety – taking into account your previous Every year a few go astray so if yours have not experience. arrived within 3 weeks of submission please contact the coordinators. R Accuracy – checking distances and ascents are accurate and reasonable and the route REVISIONS description can easily be followed by Challenge If your vetter requires you to make changes or you Control. choose to change your route in light of their advice R Advice – they may make suggestions to enhance your adjusted route sheet must be resubmitted to your crossing. the coordinators. It is helpful if you can highlight (ideally in another colour) the changes you have R Revisions – telling you if any revisions are advised or required. made. R Required revisions. Please resubmit your route Where possible they will comment on things that within 4 weeks of receiving your vetter’s may not be evident on the map such as bridges that comments. may be missing or in a poor state, new estate tracks R Voluntary revisions. If you choose to take some of and bothies. However, your route is unique, so they your vetter’s suggestions or need to adjust your can’t possibly have walked every step and things route for any reason please send us a revised may have changed since their last visit. We try to route sheet. keep up to date with information on popular routes but cannot guarantee the accuracy of information R Accommodation details. Please let us know of given. Getting across Scotland in one piece is your any planned accommodation that was not on responsibility, not your vetter’s. You need to use your original route sheet. your initiative along the way. If you find things The coordinators may sign off minor changes but differ from the map or the advice given, please let for more complex revisions will pass your route us know for future reference. back to the vetter for their assessment.

KEEPING IN TOUCH There are a variety of ways in which you can keep in touch with other Challengers as well as Challenge news. CHALLENGE WEBSITE Go to www.tgochallenge.co.uk where we will post MESSAGE BOARD updates on the Challenge blog, Challengers can swop ideas and ask questions here. There is a wealth of experience in the Challenge SOCIAL MEDIA Community and someone is likely to have the Follow @TGOChallenge or #TGOC21 on Twitter answer to your question but please do not ask for and Facebook or tgo_challenge on Instagram a complete route! We ask that you use your real (Please note the old account – tgochallenge – is name, not a pseudonym, and respect other users. no longer active.)You may also want to join our TGOChallenge Facebook group.

19 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk SUPPORTERS

REUNIONS We usually have Reunions in the Peak District in Once a Challenger: Always a Challenger April (organised by Alan Hardy) and Scotland in There are many past Challengers, who can no October (organised by Kirsten Paterson) but these longer participate but who would like to be involved will not be possible until restrictions are lifted. in some way. Do you know any? If so, please put We will email information whenever it is safe to them in contact with us. organise them. So, don’t be a stranger and keep in touch! The Hill and Mountain Walking Club was formed in 1989 by Challengers. They hope to restart their regular meets throughout the UK and abroad when possible offering the chance to meet up with Challenge friends as well as taking in a few hills.

TGO CHALLENGE SUPPORTERS

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20 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk